2008 Mercedes-Benz R vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (305 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (411 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | R | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 411 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.1 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2250 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 14.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
